Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today criticized Gov. Cuomo’s attempt to unilaterally raise the minimum wage for fast food workers by convening a Wage Board through the Department of Labor without vetting the proposal through the Legislature. Hawley said drastic minimum wage hikes kill jobs and burden businesses, and any increase in New York’s minimum wage should be subject to the legislative process.

“This is simply a case of the governor trying to sidestep the legislative process because he knows a drastic minimum wage hike is unlikely to pass both houses,” Hawley said. “Furthermore, Gov. Cuomo did not fulfill his aspiration of a minimum wage increase in this year’s budget, so he has commissioned a board which will undoubtedly release favorable information that supports a minimum wage increase. There is a reason that bills must be passed though committees and two houses of the Legislature before being signed into law or vetoed. By sidestepping the majority process, we are closing the door on transparency and public input on this legislation and leaving the analysis up to bureaucrats. Elected officials and businesses in this state deserve time to vet and analyze another minimum wage increase before it is enacted.”